Another interesting pick for Obama might be Phil Bredesen Tennessee's 2nd term governor. Bredesen has impressed voters with his ability to bring Tennessee into solvency without enacting either an income tax or higher taxes. He is highly regarded by fiscal conservatives. His election and re-election was made possible by strong cross-over voting. Prior to his tenure as former mayor of Nashville he made his fortune in the health care industry successfully owning and operting health maintenance organizations in PA.

His pick would provide great balance to the ticket. A fiscal conservative, social progressive, southern governor with broad appeal to the business sector and members of both parties.